Journal: Priscilla Papers
Volume: PP 12:4 (Fall 1998)
Article: Mary, Martha And Jesus: A Continuing Reformation
Author: Kenneth E. Bailey

PP 12:4 Fall 1998) p. 16

Mary, Martha And Jesus: A Continuing Reformation

Reflections On Luke 10:38-42

Kenneth E. Bailey

Formerly of Beirut and Jerusalem, Dr. Kenneth Bailey is a prolific author and well-known lecturer on Middle Eastern New Testament studies. This article first appeared in The Presbyterian Outlook, October 26, 1998, and is reprinted by permission.

While fulfilling recent Bible teaching responsibilities in Australia (for the Anglicans), in Canada (for the Armenians) and in Latvia (for the Lutherans), I found the same topic under intense discussion—the place of women in the ministry of the church. As American Presbyterians we have crossed bridges that the Australians, the Armenians and the Latvians are currently approaching. This text speaks to churches at both ends of those particular bridges. It is perhaps especially significant for us to look anew at this story as we remember our Reformation heritage.

This intensely personal account speaks not solely to the issue of men and women together at the feet of Jesus, but also addresses the timeless question of the relationship between “word” and “service” (diakonia).

As has often been observed, the earlier dialogue between Jesus and the lawyer (Lk 10:25-27) presents the dual command to love God and the neighbor. The parable of the Good Samaritan then follows and sets forth a standard for loving the neighbor. Next, the story of Mary and Martha demonstrates how to love the Lord.

The scene falls naturally into two halves. The first is the setting. The second is an “acted parable” in the form of a dialogue. In rabbinic terms the first is the nimshal (the frame of reference necessary for understanding). The second is the mashal (the parable itself). In this “acted parable” Jesus surfaces again as an astute prophetic-style theologian who creates rich meaning out of the earthy fabric of daily life.

First the setting:

1. Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house.

2. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.

3. But Martha was distracted with much serving {diakonia).

Jesus is traveling with his disciples. Martha is clearly the head of the house where the group stops. It is “her house.” Amazingly, a first century rabbi (Jesus) is willing to be entertained, with his disciples, in a home headed by a woman. The Mishnah reads,

Jose b. Johanan of Jerus...